8 types of cancer-causing toys for children that parents should know

According to statistics from GreenPeace, 1/3 of toys originating from China contain heavy metals such as lead, copper, nickel or cadmium, not to mention other toxic substances. According to doctors at the City Children's Hospital (HCMC), a series of these toxic children's toys still infiltrate the market, posing many potential risks to the health of young children when used.

Expanded plastic beads cause cancer

According to research results from the Industrial Plastic Testing Department of the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry, Chinese colored plastic beads are actually expanded beads. When they absorb water, their volume can increase by 300-400 times. This type of beads uses a very toxic polyacrylamide compound, which directly affects the digestive system and can cause cancer.

Expanded plastic beads directly affect the digestive system and can cause cancer. Photo: Phatluatdansinh.com.

"Stinky bomb" explodes

“Stinky bombs” are absolutely forbidden for children to play with because when they explode, they emit an unpleasant, lingering odor. According to chemical experts in Vietnam, Bicarbonate salt may be the cause of the odor of this toy. The toxic gas from this toy can cause dizziness, nausea, and eye damage. Many experts also believe that “stinky bombs” can also have a negative effect on the brain and are dangerous for young children.

Rubber ducks contain substances that cause infertility.

According to a report by TOXICs-Free - a non-governmental organization, many rubber ducks as well as toys sold online contain high levels of PAE (Phthalic Acid Esters) - a chemical that is harmful to reproductive organs.

PAE is easily released when toys come into contact with hot water or shampoo. After entering the human body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract and skin, this chemical acts similarly to female hormones and can reduce sperm quality, leading to infertility in men, according toChina Daily.

Rubber ducks are a type of toy that is recommended to contain carcinogens. Photo: Kids First Pediatrics.

Glowing toys affect fertility

Glowing toys are made from recycled plastic, containing phthalates, which increase the flexibility and durability of plastic. In addition, these toys also use fluorescent substances (based on the reaction between chemicals). Therefore, glowing toys have the potential to change hormones, causing birth defects in children.

Bouncing animals contain sterility-causing substances

In Singapore, the sale of bouncy animal toys has been completely banned. According to the City Children's Hospital, Vietnamese health authorities have also discovered abnormally high levels of phthalate plastic in these toys. Phthalate is a substance that can cause cancer, damage the kidneys, and disrupt the body's hormone system.

Toxins in inflatable animals cause cancer and destroy the body's hormone system. Photo: Facebook

Bubble gum damages the immune system

This type of candy can be blown into a very beautiful ball, so it is very popular with children. However, according to chemical experts, the soap solution in bubble candy contains glycerin. This chemical makes the bubble elastic, and at the same time, this substance can cause allergies and itching when in contact. In severe cases, it damages the child's immune system when absorbed into the body.

Cartoon patches cause infertility

The European Union's RAPEX alert system said the cartoon sticker product, which originated in China, had been withdrawn from the Norwegian market because it contained a carcinogen. Worse, it also promotes early puberty in girls and reduces growth hormone secretion, causing infertility in boys.

Rings and decorative bracelets affect the liver and kidneys

According to Chinese researchers, the nickel concentration in plastic beads in girls’ jewelry has exceeded the prescribed level. Wearing these items for a long time can cause the skin to become itchy, peeling, and swollen. In severe cases, it can affect the liver and kidneys.